STEWARD SHINES FOR ENGLAND IN JAPAN WIN

England warmed up for their autumn blockbuster against New Zealand by overrunning Japan 52-13 at Twickenham.

Six days after collapsing to a shock defeat by Argentina, Eddie Jones’ men regrouped by running in six tries to put a spring back in their step ahead of Saturday’s long-awaited clash with the All Blacks.

Marcus Smith and Guy Porter crossed twice each to lead the charge and there was greater conviction about all aspects of England’s play on a day that saw Freddie Steward reign as the most influential player on the field.

Forced to overcome the loss of Jack Nowell to injury shortly before kick-off, they held the tourists in a vice with Steward at the centre of many of their best attacking moments.

Japan were willing victims as they slumped to their third defeat in as many meetings between the nations, a side clearly struggling to rediscover the magic that lit up the 2019 World Cup.

Wales put their Autumn Nations Series campaign back on track by beating Argentina 20-13 in an arm-wrestle of a Test match at the Principality Stadium.

Just seven days after shipping 55 points against New Zealand, Wales made a strong response as tries from number eight Taulupe Faletau and scrum-half Tomos Williams saw them home.

Nick Timoney claimed two tries as Ireland overcome a sloppy start to prolong their fine form courtesy of a disjointed 35-17 Dublin victory over indisciplined Fiji.

Robert Baloucoune, Mack Hansen and Cian Healy were also on the scoresheet at the Aviva Stadium to help rugby’s top-ranked nation back up victory over world champions South Africa.

New Zealand retained the Women’s World Cup after snapping England’s 30-match winning run in a thrilling final at Eden Park, the Black Ferns running out 34-31 winners.